Microcapsules having dual reagents for forming a self-healing material separated by the capsule wall and methods for making same

A method for surface treating capsules, the method comprising:

• providing capsules comprising a core composition comprising a carboxylic acid encapsulated within a phenolic-resin containing polymer wall, wherein the phenolic resin-containing polymer wall ruptures upon exposure to alkaline conditions over a period of time;
• mixing an aqueous surfactant and the capsules together, wherein the surfactant attaches to an exterior surface of the polymer wall to form a surfactant-capsule intermediate;
• adding a solution of an inorganic compound wherein a metal therein is available for association with the surfactant;
• mixing until the metal of the inorganic compound chemically bonds to the surfactant and forms an outer shell on the polymer wall of the capsules;
• wherein, upon rupture of the capsules, the carboxylic acid and the outer shell chemically react with one another to form a reaction product.